Baby Supplies You Need

As you begin to get ready for your baby to come home, there are a few essential items that you'll want to make sure you have. Many of these items can appear on your registry as baby shower gifts. Otherwise, you may want to purchase them at your convenience. The more you plan ahead, the more relaxed and ready you'll be when you bring your baby home.

Here is a list of items that you'll need:

Crib -- it should meet crib safety standards, and the side should go down quietly and easily. (Practice on a floor model before purchasing.)

Sheets (3-4 sets). Flannel sheets are nice in the wintertime.

Mobile.

Noise machine.

There should be NO loose toys that can strangle the baby or pillows/soft bedding that can suffocate the baby. Do NOT install loose or fluffy bumper pads.

Make sure everything in the crib is age-appropriate.

Changing table supplies

Diapers -- plenty of them (8-10 per day).

Baby wipes -- unscented, alcohol free (don't get too many because some babies are sensitive to them).

Vaseline -- good to prevent diaper rash, and for boy's circumcision.

Cotton balls or gauze pads to apply Vaseline.

Diaper rash cream.

Rocking chair with a footstool

Pillow for resting arm when nursing.

"Donut" pillow helps if you have a tear of the vagina or perineum (the space between the vagina and perineum) during delivery or if the area remains sore.

Blanket to put around you and baby when it's chilly.

Clothes for new baby

One-piece sleepers (4-6). Gown-types are easiest.

Mittens for their hands if they scratch their faces.

Socks or booties.

One-piece daytime outfits that snap (they are easiest and most functional).

General items

Burp cloths (a dozen, at least).

Receiving blankets (4-6).

Hooded bath towel (2).

Wash clothes (4-6).

Bathtub -- one with a "hammock" is easiest when they are tiny and slippery.

Baby wash.

Shampoo (baby safe).

Nursing pads and nursing bra.

Car seat -- most hospitals require that this be properly and securely installed before leaving hospital, so be sure to install it before picking the baby up.